From SanDiegoVille / September 12, 2024
After successfully launching its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Mission Beach last year, Rosemarie’s Burgers is set to expand, with a new location opening soon in San Diego’s Ocean Beach and is expected to open by year’s end at 1774 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard.
Nick Bálsamo, the founder of Rosemarie’s, found life in the private sector unfulfilling after leaving the military. He then embarked on a culinary journey, working as a chef in Hong Kong for several years before returning to the U.S. Back home, Bálsamo channeled his culinary skills into Where To Eat California, a collective that includes a catering company (Festa Supper Club), a food truck specializing in Asian street food (Strada), and Rosemarie’s Burgers, a gourmet slider food truck named after his beloved grandmother.
Rosemarie’s quickly gained a devoted following, particularly as a regular fixture outside Harland Brewing Company’s Bay Park tasting room, where it became known for its creative and flavorful sliders. In 2023, Bálsamo took over a Mission Beach location previously occupied by NoW Sushi, transforming it into the first brick-and-mortar home for Rosemarie’s. The restaurant earned national recognition this year, landing on Yelp’s 2024 list of the top 100 places to eat in the United States. They were also featured on Season 8 of Netflix’s hit real estate reality show Selling Sunset.
Now, Rosemarie’s is ready for its next chapter with a second location opening in Ocean Beach. The new restaurant will take over the 1,000 square foot space that last housed Whomp Burger & Brew. Similar to the Mission Beach location, the Ocean Beach eatery will feature a menu centered on gourmet sliders, loaded fries, and globally-inspired specialties.
Slider highlights include the Classic Wagyu, featuring sautéed Maui sweet onion confit, jack cheese, and Kewpie mayo; the Bombay Hot Chicken, with fried chicken thigh, pickled vegetables, and house-made spicy curry sauce; and We Have Eggplant, a vegetarian option with fried eggplant, Korean BBQ sauce, pickled cabbage, and Kewpie mayo. In addition to sliders, the new restaurant will serve craft beer, wine, and soft drinks.
Rosemarie’s Ocean Beach location is expected to open by year’s end at 1774 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. For more information, visit rosemariesburgers.com.
Wasn’t this location a burger place already? And before that, Sundara (not a burger place)?
Yes, a burger place opened after Sundara closed. I guess it is also gone now.
Ouch! Not a good sign. Whoop Burger or something like that.
It takes 5 seconds to Google the correct name. Whomp Burger.
See how editor dude got you to do that for him? Very clever don’t you think?
Sliders is just code for shrinkflation.
Same burger price, 1/3 the size.
This is a tough location to survive… especially with Hodad’s and Burger Kook in a more trafficked area… with more parking.
Good Luck!!!
Whomp burger was terrible.. that’s why it didn’t survive. I think there’s a market for good burgers for those who don’t want to hassle the Newport Ave. scene. I’m looking forward to it!
There is a parking lot there but not really good bike parking. I remember locking up to the gas meter on the side of the building the time I went to Whomp Burger. I remember reading in the Rag of when the old place opened and it was a couple trying to start a business. Have to be brave to start a burger shop so near sweet delicious Hodads which has no free lot but good bike parking.
I’ve been to Rosemarie’s in MB and it was okay. Will definitely give another chance since they are in our community now. Love that this is a veteran owned business.
No good bike parking?! Hodad’s has good bike parking?! There are a number of sign poles and street lights from Narragansett to the alley by the store. What are you expecting? And what bike parking does Hodad’s have? It’s no better than the burger location.
I believe you’re correct Geoff. And isn’t there also a bike rack at Olive Tree Market (which might be quite a walk for some bike riders, but, heck, whatcha gonna do).
Rosemarie’s Burgers, known for its gourmet sliders and warm hospitality, has officially opened in Ocean Beach at 1774 Sunset Cliffs.